Massive schools event in UK marks 50 days until T20 World Cup

More than 236,000 children across the United Kingdom picked up a bat and ball on Thursday to help celebrate 50 days until the start of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales.

Over 1,350 schools across the UK took part in Schools Cricket Day, with more than 236,000 children involved in what was the largest single-day cricket participation event in UK history as the excitement builds towards this year's T20 showcase that commences on June 12.

Tickets for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026

Experienced England batter Heather Knight was on hand alongside 200 children at Raynes Park Sports Ground in London and the former skipper put the future stars of the game through their paces in a handful of coaching drills and matches in a bid to encourage more youngsters to take the next step into regular cricket this summer.

Knight was joined by former cricketers Michael Atherton and Ebony Rainford-Brent, Sky Sports presenter Hannah Wilkes and Surrey player Emily Burke as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) continued their push to inspire the next generation of players and spark a long-term interest in the game.

“Cricket gave me opportunities I could never have imagined growing up, and days like today are where it all starts. For so many young people, this will be their first experience of cricket and hopefully the beginning of a lifelong connection with the game," Knight said.

“I hope the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup inspires many more girls and boys to pick up a bat and ball and follow in our footsteps - it's important the next generation see that cricket is a sport for everyone.”

The ECB are attempting to build a legacy from this year's T20 World Cup, with some of the aims including the bid to attract 500,000 women and girls to play cricket in 2026, 300 women to take up key leadership roles within the game’s administration, and 500 Champions of Change created as part of the Young Cricket Collective, which will empower young girls to volunteer and make change at their local cricket clubs.

Previous World Cup winners Alex Hartley, Lydia Greenway and Jess Jonassen and Hampshire Cricket women’s captain Georgia Adams and Gloucestershire CCC’s women’s captain Liv Daniel also joined school events in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup host cities on Thursday as excitement builds towards the tournament opener between England and Sri Lanka in Birmingham on June 12.

“It is fantastic to see the excitement building across the UK ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Schools Cricket Day, marking 50 days to go, has brought thousands of children into the game, many of whom may be taking their very first steps in cricket today," ICC Chairman Jay Shah said.

“Expanding this year’s tournament from 10 to 12 teams reflects our commitment to growing the women’s game globally and creating more opportunities for players and fans alike.

“We look forward to welcoming these young participants and their families to the stadiums this summer, where they can watch their heroes and be inspired to dream bigger.”